[Report This]Date: 07/13/2006 09:21 pm Title: Shaping the Steel, or Forgiving Daughter (Part Two)
My eyes actually became a bit misty when I read Lily's letter. I love the idea of Hermoine adapting the spells. Very nice.
Author's Response: What generous praise to tell me you were moved by Lily's letter. That makes my day by itself. It also makes me very, very happy that you've enjoyed Hermione's venture into a new world 'off the written page.' I hope you continue to enjoy the story, and thank you for your reviews.
[Report This]Date: 07/13/2006 08:25 pm Title: The Forging of a Blade or Prodigal Sons
You write well. I haven't read a story written in this fashion in a long time and actually enjoyed it. You switched between memories seamlessly and didn't get to carried away with past conversations. I am looking forward to reading the next chapter. I will definitly add this to my favorites. Also, collective nouns are fun.
Author's Response: Why thank you for the lovely compliment. It was a challenge to find a balance between too much and too little of the intervening months between the Astronomy Tower and 'now.' I really appreciate your comment that it bog down the narrative. Ah! Collective nouns are fun. You're a Sleuth after my own heart.
[Report This]Date: 07/12/2006 10:01 am Title: The Front is Engaged; or Must We Kill?
yeowza!!!!!!!!! another great and gratifying chapter hanging off the cliff of antcipation, and I am standing at the bottom with bucket trying to catch the next... ...update soon.
Author's Response: I'll be sending the next chapter to the queue today.
I'm delighted your enjoying the view from the top of the Cliffs of Insanity (oops, wrong fantasy world.) Thanks, hallowsnape, for your greatly encouraging feedback.
[Report This]Date: 07/08/2006 11:06 am Title: The Front is Engaged; or Must We Kill?
Very well done! I must admit to becoming impatient and looking up the story on your live journal ;). So, I may not drop in to review the future chapters, but you've done a *fantastic* job and I enjoyed it very much!
Author's Response: I'm glad you enjoyed the entire story and I completely understand (and am thrilled by your eagerness.) The SH staff has a lot to take into account with the move to MAGE.
[Report This]Date: 07/08/2006 10:29 am Title: The Front is Engaged; or Must We Kill?
i love it!! your story actualy follows canon. most people just make stuff up. cookies to you!!
Author's Response: What a wonderful compliment. Thank you very much. I do try to ground my stories in canon, even if I do make stuff up as the story verges into uncharted territory.
[Report This]Date: 07/07/2006 07:49 pm Title: The Front is Engaged; or Must We Kill?
WOW - this is great!! I love it - I felt like I was with him, drowning in the yuck and pain!! MORE MORE!!
Author's Response: ::blushes:: Thank you very much. I'll send the next chapter to the queue in the morning. I'm so happy you're still enjoying the story.
[Report This]Date: 07/07/2006 12:21 pm Title: The Front is Engaged; or Must We Kill?
You continue to impress!!! Excellent chapter. Your descriptions were so vivid and fluid I easily envisioned the aura colors surrounding the trinkets, as well as Draco's declining physical and emotional states.
Author's Response: This is a wonderful compliment. I always hope my writing is visceral and immediate, and you've just let me know you found this chapter both. Thank you very much.
[Report This]Date: 07/07/2006 01:45 am Title: The Front is Engaged; or Must We Kill?
eek! I see you gave us another cliffhanger! Great job - I wondered what the pensieve would be like and how you would make the spell work interesting. You did an awesome job with depicting both the events and Draco's thought during the spell - I liked that the others were still connected and could "speak" to him during the ritual. Your writing is so descriptive that I felt as if I could "see" the whole ritual unfolding. Awesome chapter, as usual. And, as usual, I can't wait to see what happens next.
Author's Response: Ack. I guess I did leave you with another cliffhanger. We are nearing the third act, I had to do something to elevate the tension. ::smirks:: I'm delighted you enjoyed Draco's battle and the first hint of the binding ritual's effects. I'll put the next chapter in the queue tomorrow morning. Thanks, again.
[Report This]Date: 06/29/2006 08:03 pm Title: Raising the Standard, or War Comes with the Dawn (Part Two)
You are masterfully crafting a wonderful Harry Potter fanfic. Your details are spot on, they don't drag on in repetitive monotony or lack in vitality or enrichment. I have also enjoyed your manipulation of Mrs. Black's portrait and your original development of the trio in their personalization of spells/charms. Nice touch!!! I look forward to reading the rest of your story as you post the chapters.
Author's Response: Your enthusiastic, and eloquent review has made me very, very happy. I'm delighted you find the story refreshing and intriguing, and I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of story. It is complete, but I understand that I'll have to wait for the SH move to Mage before I can post any more chapters. You can find the entire story at my live journal, but I will continue to post the entire thing here. Once again, thank you so very much.
[Report This]Date: 06/29/2006 05:34 pm Title: Raising the Standard, or War Comes with the Dawn (Part Two)
Wow, you are a spectacular writer. I'm amazed, I don't believe I have ever read a fanfic with this much story to it. Your story has plot and substance. I do hope you will continue on, and I look forward to reading the coming chapters.
Author's Response: I really appreciate your glowing compliments, Aurora. It makes me very happy to think you've enjoyed the plot and characterizations. The story is completed (and posted on my live journal,) but, as I understand it, I have to wait for Sycophant Hex's move to Mage before I post any more chapters here. I hope you'll bear with me. Thank you once again.
[Report This]Date: 06/26/2006 11:59 pm Title: Raising the Standard, or War Comes with the Dawn (Part Two)
Well, *that* was cool! Talk about trust...and I can see why blood magic is considered so Dark, if it gives him that much power over them. The ritual was charged and vibrant - really cool. Oh, and the kiss was nice, too ;).
Author's Response: Thanks! I'm so pleased you liked the ritual... and the kiss! ::grins::
[Report This]Date: 06/26/2006 01:38 am Title: Raising the Standard, or War Comes with the Dawn (Part Two)
Fabulous - I love the way that you took the time to describe each person's bonding with Draco and with each other. The scene with Hermione and Draco was just lovely as well. ;-) I can't wait to see what's going to happen in the pensieve.
Author's Response: See! I delivered your kiss... and I'm so pleased you liked it. One of my biggest fears writing this story was the pacing of the relationship. I'm glad you think it's working well. Thank you.
[Report This]Date: 06/25/2006 10:03 pm Title: Raising the Standard, or War Comes with the Dawn (Part Two)
This is an amazing story. I have loved every single chapter. It's plausible, and extremely well written. Thank you so much for sharing your gift. Is this posted anywhere else out of curiosity? And how often do you update? Anywho, getting back to buisness, I throughly love this story. Thanks for writing again! 10 being the best, this story is a 17.
Jennifer
Author's Response: Wow! Jennifer what an encouraging and wondeful review. I'm thrilled that you are enjoying the story so much. It's a finished story and I'm updating every few days. It's also archived at my live journal if you ever want to wander in that direction. Thank you so much.
[Report This]Date: 06/25/2006 08:54 pm Title: Raising the Standard, or War Comes with the Dawn (Part Two)
YEAH! I was like - wait, where's the rest - must have more!! THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!!
Author's Response: ::blushes:: Thank you, thank you. The next chapter is being sent to the queue this morning. I hope you enjoy it!
[Report This]Date: 06/23/2006 03:08 am Title: Raising the Standard, or War Comes with the Dawn (Part One)
Yay, I was so glad to see an update, but that was a very naughty place to end it - lol. I love the subtle changes that have come over everyone - I just hope that Draco at least gets a kiss before he goes into the pensieve.
Author's Response: It was a naughty place to end it? Hmmm... erm... just wait until the next chapter! Thank you so much for your review. I really appreciate it.
[Report This]Date: 06/22/2006 12:46 am Title: Raising the Standard, or War Comes with the Dawn (Part One)
Yay, an update! I do enjoy watching them work together. It was so funny to have the two groups keep flooring each other. Looking forward to watching Draco dismantle this thing... (poor worried Hermione). For a second, I thought you were gonna make Ron do it and die in the attempt - sooooo glad you didn't go that route!
Author's Response: I'm delighted you're enjoying the dynamics between the two groups as they begin to fuse into a team. Nope, not going to make Ron do it. I'm making Ron a man in this story, but I'm not planning to kill him with a Horcrux. I appreciate your wonderful review. Thank you.
[Report This]Date: 06/21/2006 09:35 pm Title: Raising the Standard, or War Comes with the Dawn (Part One)
OMG - excellent and I KNOW you are not killing off Draco - correct? I can't wait for more - i have reread and reread this!! GREAT!!!
Author's Response: I... er... can't answer your question on the grounds that it might incriminate me! I'll be posting the next chapter tomorrow, nathair. I'm delighted you're enjoying the story so much. Thank you very, very much!
[Report This]Date: 06/05/2006 07:22 am Title: Quickening the Blade; or Nerves on the Eve of Battle (Part Two)
I love all your stories, but this my absolute favourite! BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT!!! Please add me if you have an update list (evilsaint243@hotmail.com)
Author's Response: Thank you so much, Evil Saint, for all the compliments. Erm... I don't have an update list, but I'll let you know now that there are more chapters posted on my live journal, I'm updating here about once a week, but my live journal has all but the last chapter posted, in case you were eager to see what happens next.
[Report This]Date: 06/04/2006 10:52 pm Title: Quickening the Blade; or Nerves on the Eve of Battle (Part Two)
Yay! An update! I love this story and how you're taking your time to add in the details - like the business with the elf heads. The last scene was marvelous; I can't wait to see what's coming next.
Author's Response: Weren't the elf heads a bit squicky? I just loved writing that part! ::grins::
Thank you so much for your lovely review.
[Report This]Date: 06/04/2006 01:25 pm Title: Quickening the Blade; or Nerves on the Eve of Battle (Part Two)
WOW - hope you update more soon - I love the way you are working this out!!
Author's Response: Thank you so much, nathair. I'm really glad you're enjoying the story.
[Report This]Date: 05/30/2006 11:39 pm Title: Quickening the Blade; or Nerves on the Eve of Battle (Part One)
I definately want to hear what Snape and Dumbledore are saying to one another. It was amusing to see Hermione defend him, so soon after confronting him for baiting her. And what started this whole diatribe...what did Dumbledore do? How did he "cheat?" We wants answers, yes precious! *Patiently awaiting your next chapter*
Author's Response: I love your Gollum imitation! ::grins::
I hope you enjoy the next chapter. Snape is quite upset with Albus... and, yet, he will understand.
Thanks so much for letting me know you've enjoyed the story so far. I've submitted the next chapter... so it's in the queue!
[Report This]Date: 05/30/2006 03:45 am Title: Quickening the Blade; or Nerves on the Eve of Battle (Part One)
oh that was well played...here I am sitting on the edge of my seat, only to relaize that there is no next chapter yet...."and now?-For the cliche" Update now Update now Update now!!! !!! !!!
Author's Response: Thank you, thank you. I'm delighted you're enjoying the journey, and I've submitted the next chapter to the queue.
[Report This]Date: 05/24/2006 06:47 pm Title: Quickening the Blade; or Nerves on the Eve of Battle (Part One)
Wow - I am intrigued. Slathering at the bit for more! This was a great chapter!! Thanks!
Author's Response: There will be more to come... Thanks so much for telling me you're enjoying the story.
[Report This]Date: 05/19/2006 06:37 pm Title: Many Blades, Single Purpose, or United Allies, Unifying Strategies (Part Two)
Holy... I so need to keep up more often! R.A.B. has been found! O.O Wowsy!
Excellent chapters, Bambu! I loved how the dynamics seem to always be changing between Harry, Ron, Hermione, Draco, and Severus. You excellently portrayed the mix of growing maturity in all of them and their stubborn determination to hold onto the past (in some cases, anyway). I wonder what story Mrs. Black has to tell...
Great job! Can't wait for more!
Author's Response: AngelQueen! AQ!! (oops... there was squee-age there)
It's great to see you pop up on my screen. I'm delighted you've been enjoying the journey so far, including the shifting dynamics. ::grins:: The next chapter's in the queue, and thank you, afresh, for your enthusiastic review!
[Report This]Date: 05/19/2006 02:23 pm Title: Many Blades, Single Purpose, or United Allies, Unifying Strategies (Part Two)
Only just, found this story. It is unusual, amazing and coming from the situation, from a different angle. I like the way Severus taught Draco, and the way you have intermingled old fanfic knowledge with new.
I particularly liked the new pensieve. Very clever. I was literally finished reading the posted chapters, when an insane notion came to me. I now feel regret and worry. I have posted a new Donavon! I have two new beta's I am told the one is very good. We will have to see. If you see, the story posted. You will know she is. Best wishes, Love your writing. Donavon.
Author's Response: Donovan, how nice to see you on Pureblood. First of all, good luck with your writing. I found two betas were a wonderful way to work -- what one didn't catch the other usually did.
I'm glad to know you found the story refreshing and unique. That brings a huge smile to my face. Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate them very much.